Day 3

The Story of My Life Lesson Plan

Discussion of Thought Questions

1

What did administrators at Helen's school think about her story, "The Frost King"?

(10 min)

Students should explain how administrators found Helen's story to be derivative and accused her of plagiarism. Strong responses will also explain the complex reasoning Keller gives -- that she unknowingly based her story on subconscious memories of Margaret Canby's book, with no intention of plagiarism. They should discuss that for someone with Keller's condition, there would be little precedent to support her honest interpretation of the incident.

2

Would you excuse Helen's apparent transgression with regard to "The Frost King"? Why, or why not?

What joy it was to lose myself in that garden of flowers, to wander happily from spot to spot, until, coming suddenly upon a beautiful vine, I recognized it by its leaves and blossoms, and knew it was the...

I think this is asking for a personal response. Helen had a very nice family life but an illness robbed her of sight and hearing. I cannot imagine how difficult that would have been, especially in a time when such challenges were not understood by...